The Horse of Jenin
THEATRE
The Horse of Jenin
By Alaa Shehada
Edinburgh Fringe First 2025
Sat 04 July | 7pm
Sun 05 July | 8pm
Event Details
Times & Dates:
Sat 04 July | 7pm
Sun 05 July | 8pm
Duration:
90 min (no interval)
Event Categories:
Theatre
Admission:
€20 / €18 concession
Age Suitability:
18+
Venue:
The Factory Performance Space
Access
Accessible by a steep stone ramp
Must pre-book wheelchair seating
A funny haunting coming-of-age tale of boyhood in occupied Palestine
★★★★★ | The Guardian
Combining storytelling, mask, and stand-up comedy, The Horse of Jenin is constructed from the fragments of Alaa Shehada’s own memories and stands as an ode to the power of imagination and resilience. It explores the life of a boy growing up in Jenin in Occupied Palestine who, like every child, just wants to play and have fun.
Following a major invasion in 2002, a German artist travelled to the city to create an artwork with the kids of Jenin. They built a horse, five-metres tall, out of metal and debris from the invasion. The horse is an Arabic symbol of freedom, so the people of Jenin placed this statue in the centre of the city where it stood proudly for 20 years, representing hope and resistance.
In October 2023, an Israeli army bulldozer entered the camp and the horse was ripped from its place and driven away. Now, Alaa is left wondering… What happened to the horse?
A terrific tale of Palestinian life, laughter and tragedy under unimaginable pressure
★★★★★ | The Scotsman
...one of the most important shows at this year’s Edinburgh festival
★★★★★ | British Theatre Guide
Presented in association with Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, Earagail Arts Festival and Dublin Theatre Festival.